Sanitary plumbing When we turn on the tap to pour ourselves a drink, most of us would not give the water's quality a second thought or for that matter would we consider where water ends up when we've finished using it. Society itself depends on the safe delivery and removal of water. History has proven time and again that without regulatory control poor sanitary plumbing can result in sickness and even death. For this reason, registered plumbers are considered at the forefront of New Zealand’s primary health protection. A certifying plumber undertakes formal training for no less than six years to become qualified in safe water management. They are then required to keep abreast of changes in technology and regulations to ensure that they deliver effective and safe practices to the consumer when undertaking sanitary plumbing.

What is sanitary plumbing?

Sanitary plumbing is any work involved in fixing or unfixing any pipe, plumbing fixture or appliance including; any trap, waste or soil pipe, ventilation pipe, or overflow pipe and any pipe that supplies or is intended to supply water.

All sanitary plumbing must comply with the Building Code and, where a building consent is required; the work must be checked by the building inspector from the building control authority in your area (your local council). A code compliance certificate cannot be issued until the work has been signed off by the building inspector.

A certifying plumber is responsible for the testing, verification and the supervision of licensed plumbers, limited certificate (trainee plumbers) and exempted persons.

Sanitary plumbing does not include the installation of appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines; the replacement or repair of taps, ball valves and plugs.

Who can undertake sanitary plumbing?